About the Endowment

Rachana Rajendra Neotropical Migrant Bird Sanctuary Endowment

The RRNMBS Endowment Fund was established to encourage education, training, and research in the area of neotropical migrant birds. Dr. and Mrs. Rajendra, along with family and friends, established this endowment in memory of Rachana Rajendra.

How Funds from the Endowment are Used

This endowment has been used to: (1) provide fellowship funding for Fisheries and Wildlife students who are interested in avian species; (2) develop maps and educational materials about neotropical migrant birds in the Rajendra Sanctuary at Michigan State University; and (3) provide undergraduate awards to improve trails, entrances, and educational signs at Baker Woodlot and the Rajendra Sanctuary.

Undergraduate Award

From 1999 until 2008, an undergraduate scholarship was awarded in Rachana Rajendra's name to honor students with a keen interest in avian conservation. The award was presented yearly, each spring, at the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Undergraduate Awards Banquet. Recipients of the award received a $1000 scholarship and had their name engraved on a plaque that is now on display in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Undergraduate Advising Center (Room 40 Natural Resources Building).